Dangerously Entertaining kids’ days out at Fort Nelson this Summer!

13 July 2010

Beat the summer holiday blues with the Royal Armouries’ fun-packed programme of kids’ low-cost events at Fort Nelson – featuring pirates, gladiators, commando courses, hunting hawks and even a Victorian flea circus!

Youngsters can see history come alive in a fun but educational way and let off steam in a stimulating environment, with plenty to entertain boys and girls alike. Families can either eat in the Fort’s café or enjoy a picnic, complete with spectacular views.

Museum entrance is free for adults and children and includes a chance to view the nation’s big gun collection, underground tunnels, and daily performances by the Fort’s resident team of actors.  The children’s low-cost events are priced at £2.50 per child, £1 for adults, or buy a family ticket for £5 (two adults and up to four children). No need to book – just drop in.  The Fort opens at 10am and closes at 5pm.

The programme will run as follows:
Tuesday, July 27 – Animals in War – Discover the role of birds and animals in defending King and Country. From anti-spy falcons, who intercepted German carrier pigeons as they crossed the South Coast, to crime-busting police dogs (subject to operational duties). Complete with humorous stories and “fowl” tales.

Thursday, July 29– Legends of Robin Hood –Be transported to Sherwood Forest with thrilling tales of bravery and action, and get a chance to dress up in medieval outfits, try your hand at real longbow archery and even build Nottingham Castle! 

Tuesday, August 3 – Battle of Britain – Train to become a pilot, become fighting fit on the assault course, learn about food rationing and even learn about RAF tactics – all for the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. 

Thursday, August 5 - Leeches and Bonesaws – Forget about clean hospitals and friendly doctors! Battlefield surgery was gruesome – see blood-sucking leeches, operate on a medieval soldier and meet Florence Nightingale, as well as a real modern military medic showing first aid techniques.

Tuesday, August 10 – Queen Victoria’s Fleas – Come and see this Victorian flea circus recreate famous battles from history! Plus storytelling and the chance to ride in a hobby horse recreation of the Charge of the Light Brigade!

Thursday, August 12 – Pirates Ahoy! – Avast me hearties! Enjoy fun on the High Seas, with treasure chests, boat battles and piratical Punch and Judy shows. Learn more about the Golden Age of Piracy through story telling.

Tuesday, August 17 – Gladiator Skool - Meet a fearsome Roman legionary, try on real armour, listen to ancient legends at the story-telling sessions, and learn to sword fight with foam swords. 

Thursday, August 19 – Raiders of the Lost Fort – Be a movie hero and be part of the action, seeing snakes, scorpions and other exotic bugs and beasties. Also enjoy tales of adventures and exciting escapades. Not for the faint-hearted.

Tuesday, August 24 – Tales from the Tower – Chills and thrills with gruesome, gory tales from the Tower of London, and also get to meet a real ‘Beefeater’. Plus dress up in Tudor clothes and take part in castle-building contests. 

Thursday, August 26 – Hunting Hawks and Creepy Crawlies – Experience magnificent birds of prey, horrific creepy crawlies and even handle a real tarantula spider! Definitely not your average day out!

Sunday, 29 August – Monday, 30 August – Super Commando Kids – A truly action-packed day for budding commandos. Burn off energy on the climbing wall and assault course, have a go in the foam dart shooting range or even jump on board a genuine armoured vehicle!

Tuesday, 31 August – Legends of Robin Hood - Be transported to Sherwood Forest with thrilling tales of bravery and action, and get a chance to dress up in medieval outfits, try your hand at real longbow archery and even build Nottingham Castle.

Thursday, September 2 – Battle of Britain - Train to become a pilot, run the assault course, find out about food rationing and even learn about RAF tactics – all on the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Media contact: Joss Loader, Primary PR Ltd.
Telephone: 07838 379599.
E-mail: joss@primarypr.co.uk

 Photocall: You are invited to send a reporter and photographer/camera crew to any of these events at Fort Nelson.

Catherine Kelly/Joss Loader, Primary PR Ltd.
Telephone: 01903 783832, 07704 130226, 07838 379599.
E-mail: catherine.kelly@primarypr.co.uk or joss@primarypr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum houses one of the world’s finest collections with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years and from every corner of the earth. The collection originated at HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995. Website: www.royalarmouries.org.uk